The Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide 2025: Itineraries & Budget (AUD)

Is the Philippines Worth Visiting?

Mabuhay! Welcome to the Chaos and the Calm

Can you feel that?

That sticky, warm embrace of tropical humidity. The sound of a karaoke machine blasting 80s ballads from a distant window. The smell of garlic rice frying and the sight of a neon-coloured Jeepney weaving through traffic.

Welcome to the Philippines.

“Mabuhay!” isn’t just a greeting here; it’s an instruction. It means “Live!”—and nowhere on earth does living feel quite as vibrant as it does across these 7,641 islands.

Limestone cliffs and turquoise water of Big Lagoon in El Nido Palawan Philippines. — Big Lagoon

Let’s be honest for a second: planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. You look at the map, see thousands of islands scattered like emeralds across the Pacific, and think, “Where do I even start?”

The Philippines is a beautiful paradox. It is a place where Spanish colonial churches sit next to American-style fast-food joints, where the traffic in Manila can test your sanity, but a sunset in Palawan can heal your soul in seconds. It is raw, it is adventurous, and it is undeniably one of the most rewarding destinations on the planet.

Whether you are here to dive with thresher sharks in Cebu, surf the Cloud 9 breaks of Siargao, or simply eat your body weight in Lechon (roast pig), this guide is your roadmap. We’re skipping the fluff and giving you the logistical keys to unlock paradise.

So, grab your virtual beach hat. Let’s dive in.

The Essentials: Know Before You Go

Before we get to the lagoons and cocktails, let’s get the boring (but crucial) stuff sorted.

Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP).
- Cheat Sheet: $1 AUD ≈ 37 PHP. (Always check daily rates, but this is a good baseline for mental math).
Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English.
- Good News: The Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world. You will have zero trouble communicating, even in remote areas.
Visa: Visa-Free for 30 Days.
- Holders of Australian, US, UK, and EU passports get a free 30-day stamp on arrival. Just ensure you have an outbound flight ticket booked—airlines will check this before you board!
Health: No Mandatory Vaccinations.
- However, being up-to-date on Hep A and Typhoid is smart. Pack mosquito repellent—Dengue fever is real, but preventable.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines: Weather, Crowds & Prices

Timing is everything in the tropics. The Philippines generally has two modes: Dry and Wet.

Month	Weather Vibe	Temp (Avg)	Crowds	The Traveller’s Verdict
JAN	☀️😎 Cool & Dry	26°C	🔴 High	Best Month. Perfect breezy weather. Peak prices. Book early!
FEB	☀️😎 Cool & Dry	27°C	🔴 High	Driest Month. Ideal for sailing and island hopping.
MAR	☀️🔥 Heating Up	29°C	🟠 Med	Great visibility for diving. The heat starts to kick in.
APR	🔥😓 Scorching	31°C	🔴 High	Local Summer. Holy Week is chaotic—airports are jammed. Avoid if possible.
MAY	🔥☁️ Hot/Humid	32°C	🟠 Med	Shoulder season. Great deals, but afternoon thunderstorms begin.
JUN	🌧️☔ Wet Starts	30°C	🟢 Low	Surf Season begins in Siargao. Lush green landscapes.
JUL	🌧️⛈️ Rainy	29°C	🟢 Low	High chance of rain. Ferries may cancel. Good for flexible backpackers.
AUG	⛈️🌀 Typhoon Risk	29°C	🟢 Low	Peak rain. Stick to Cebu/Bohol (Central Visayas) which are often drier.
SEP	🌧️☔ Wettest	29°C	🟢 Low	Lowest hotel rates of the year. Very quiet islands.
OCT	☁️🌦️ Clearing	29°C	🟢 Low	A gamble! Rain tapers off. You might get lucky with empty beaches.
NOV	🌤️😎 The Secret	28°C	🟠 Med	Hidden Gem Month. The country turns green, rain stops, crowds haven’t arrived.
DEC	☀️🎄 Festive	27°C	🔴 High	Christmas Chaos. Festive spirit is amazing, but transport is fully booked.

Pro Tip: Don’t fear the wet season entirely! The region of Visayas (Cebu, Bohol) is often drier than the north. Plus, the rice terraces look neon green after the rain!

Sunny beach day in Boracay with white sand and blue sailing boats under a clear sky. — Paraw Sailing in Boracay Island

How to Travel the Philippines: Flights, Ferries & Transport Tips

International Arrivals

You’ll likely land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, or perhaps the resort-friendly Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Estimated Return Flight Costs (AUD):

From Australia: $600 – $1,200 AUD
From North America: $1,050 – $2,250 AUD
From Europe: $900 – $1,800 AUD
From SE Asia: $150 – $450 AUD

Close up of a traveler holding a passport and showing a digital eTravel QR code on a smartphone.

Island Hopping Logic

Moving between 7,000 islands is an adventure in itself!

Domestic Flights: The fastest way. Budget: $45 – $225 AUD.
Ferries: Scenic and slow. Perfect for the budget-conscious. Budget: $25 – $75 AUD.
Ride-Hailing (Grab): Safe and reliable in cities. Cost: $3 – $15 AUD.
Jeepneys: The “King of the Road.” You must try this at least once! Cost: Less than $1.50 AUD.

Fun Fact: Jeepneys are converted WWII military jeeps, painted in psychedelic colours. They are the heartbeat of Filipino streets.

Best Things to Do in the Philippines:

1. Manila: The Soul of the Nation

Don’t just use it as a layover! Manila is a chaotic, beautiful mess of history and modernity.

Highlights: The walled city of Intramuros, the sprawling Rizal Park.
Daily Budget: $45 – $75 AUD

2. Palawan: The Last Frontier

Voted world’s best island multiple times for a reason. Think limestone cliffs rising from emerald waters.

Highlights: El Nido’s lagoons, the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, and the shipwrecks of Coron.
Daily Budget: $60 – $120 AUD

3. Boracay: The Party Paradise

Famous for White Beach—4 kilometres of sand so fine it feels like flour.

Highlights: Sunset sailing, kiteboarding at Bulabog Beach, and fire dancers at night.
Daily Budget: $75 – $150 AUD

4. Siargao: The Surfer’s Dream

Laid-back, coconut-palm-covered, and incredibly cool.

Highlights: Surfing at Cloud 9, the Magpupungko Rock Pools, and island hopping to Naked Island.
Daily Budget: $45 – $105 AUD

Where to Stay in Philippines

From hanging a hammock to sleeping in 5-star luxury, the Philippines covers all bases.

Luxury hotel at a private island resort in Palawan Philippines at night.

Top Picks by Budget:

Destination	Luxury ($300 – $1,500+ AUD)	Budget / Social ($15 – $75 AUD)
Manila	The Peninsula Manila (Makati) Old-world glamour.	Z Hostel (Makati) Best rooftop bar in town.
El Nido	Pangulasian Island Resort Eco-luxury on a private island.	Outpost Beach Hostel Sunset views & social vibes.
Boracay	Shangri-La Boracay Private bay exclusivity.	Frendz Resort & Hostel Legendary social atmosphere.

Culinary Delights of Philippines: A Feast for the Senses

Filipino food is the ultimate comfort food—sour, salty, sweet, and garlicky!

Mouthwatering Pork Adobo with Eggs Beside the Bowl of Rice — Adobo Pork With Eggs & Rice

Adobo: The national dish. Meat marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic until tender.
- Cost: ~$8 – $15 AUD.
Lechon: Whole roasted pig with crackling skin. Anthony Bourdain called Cebu’s lechon the “best pig ever.”
- Cost: ~$15 – $30 AUD per kilo.
Sinigang: A tamarind-based sour soup that wakes up the taste buds.
- Cost: ~$12 – $22 AUD.
Halo-Halo: The wildest dessert you’ll ever eat. Shaved ice, purple yam (ube), beans, flan, and jellies mixed together.
- Cost: ~$5 – $8 AUD.

Philippines Hidden Gems: How to Find the Islands Tourists Miss

If you want to escape the “Instagram crowds,” these four spots offer a glimpse into the raw, untouched heart of the Philippines.

1. Batanes: The “Home of the Winds”

Located closer to Taiwan than Manila, Batanes looks like the rolling hills of Ireland dropped into the Pacific.

How to Get There: Fly into Basco (BSO) from Manila. Flights are pricey ($300–$500 AUD return) but worth it.
Getting Around: Bicycles or e-bikes are the best way to experience the quiet, wind-swept roads. You can also hire a local van for tours.
What to Look For: The Honesty Coffee Shop (no staff; you just leave your money), the Stone Houses of Ivana, and the Vayang Rolling Hills. It is the safest place in the country with virtually zero crime.

2. Siquijor: The Mystic Island

Known by locals as an island of healers and witchcraft, it’s actually a serene paradise of waterfalls and white sand.

How to Get There: Take a fast ferry from Dumaguete (45 mins) or Cebu (4-5 hours).
Getting Around: Rent a scooter ($10 AUD). The coastal road circles the entire island and is easy to navigate.
What to Look For: Cambugahay Falls (the 3-tiered turquoise falls), the 400-year-old Old Enchanted Balete Tree (get a fish spa in the roots!), and the Paliton Beach sunset—often called “Little Boracay” but without the noise.

Aerial view of pathways to the ocean Siquijor Philippines

3. Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire

This tiny pear-shaped island has more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on Earth.

How to Get There: Fly directly from Cebu (CEB) to Camiguin, or take a ferry from Cagayan de Oro.
Getting Around: “Motorelas” (local versions of tricycles) or rented scooters.
What to Look For: White Island, a sandbar that disappears at high tide; the Sunken Cemetery, marked by a giant cross in the ocean; and the Ardent Hot Springs, where you can soak in volcano-heated water.

4. Port Barton (Palawan)

The sleepy younger sister of El Nido. If you find El Nido too touristy, come here.

How to Get There: A 3-4 hour shared van from Puerto Princesa ($15–$20 AUD).
Getting Around: Your feet! The town is tiny. For island hopping, just walk to the beach and talk to a boatman.
What to Look For: Starfish Island (literally covered in them) and German Island for incredible snorkeling. The electricity here used to shut off at night (it’s more stable now, but still has that “off-grid” feel).

Is the Philippines Safe? 12 Essential Safety Tips & Cultural No-Nos

The Philippines is generally a very safe and welcoming destination, but like any tropical archipelago, it has its own “operating system.” To navigate it like a pro and avoid the common “foreigner tax,” keep these practical tips in your back pocket.

Health & Hygiene: Staying “Bali-Belly” Free

The Water Rule: Never drink tap water. Even locals often stick to purified water. When ordering drinks, ask if the ice is made from “purified water” (in tourist hubs like Boracay or El Nido, it almost always is).
The “Tabo” Experience: Outside of high-end resorts, you’ll encounter the tabo—a plastic scoop and bucket used for washing. Most toilets won’t have paper; they’ll have a bidet spray. Pro Tip: Always carry a small pack of tissues and hand sanitiser in your daypack.
Mosquito Defense: Dengue is a reality in Southeast Asia. Wear repellent, especially at dusk, and if you’re heading to rural Palawan, talk to your doctor about malaria precautions (though it’s rare in tourist areas).

Money Matters: The Cash Conundrum

Cash is King: While you can tap-and-pay at a Woolworths back home, the Philippines runs on the Peso. Many islands (like Siargao or Siquijor) may only have one or two ATMs that frequently run out of cash or don’t accept foreign cards.
The “Small Change” Struggle: Breaking a 1,000 PHP note ($27 AUD) can feel like a mission. Try to break your big notes at 7-Elevens or larger supermarkets so you always have 20, 50, and 100 PHP notes for tricycles and street food.
Tipping Culture: Tipping isn’t mandatory but is deeply appreciated. If a restaurant includes a 10% “Service Charge,” you don’t need to tip extra. For tour guides or boatmen who go above and beyond, a $5–$10 AUD tip (approx. 200-400 PHP) is a generous gesture.

Communication & Connectivity

Dual SIM Power: Don’t rely on hotel WiFi—it’s notoriously spotty. Buy a local SIM (Smart or Globe) at the airport for about $20 AUD. If you’re a digital nomad, the Smart network generally has better coverage on remote islands.
Useful Apps: * Grab: For safe rides and food delivery in cities.
- Messenger: Almost all local businesses, hotels, and tour guides communicate via Facebook Messenger rather than email.

Navigating Scams & “The Foreigner Price”

The “Broken” Taxi Meter: In Manila or Cebu, if a taxi driver says “the meter is broken” or asks for a “flat rate,” politely decline and get out. Use the Grab app—it locks in the price in AUD/PHP so there are zero surprises.
The “Closed” Attraction: A common scam where a driver tells you the place you’re going is closed but offers to take you to a “better” (and expensive) alternative. Double-check opening hours on Google Maps yourself.
The “Passport as Collateral”: Never, under any circumstances, leave your physical passport as a deposit for a scooter rental. Offer a photocopy or a small cash deposit instead.

Cultural Etiquette: The Art of “Saving Face”

Friendly Filipino local child smiling and waving from a traditional store.

Keep Your Cool: Filipino culture is very non-confrontational. If a ferry is delayed or an order is wrong, shouting or getting aggressive will get you nowhere—it’s called “losing face.” A smile and a calm request will get you much further.
The “Mano Po” Gesture: If you are invited into a local home, you might see younger people taking the hand of an elder and pressing it to their forehead. You don’t have to do this, but being respectful to elders is the fastest way to earn local love.
Dress Code: While bikinis are fine on the beach, the Philippines is a conservative Catholic country. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches or government offices.

Safety in the South

A Note on Mindanao: While most of the Philippines is safe, most Western governments (including Australia’s Smartraveller) advise against travel to the Sulu Archipelago and central/western Mindanao due to civil unrest. Stick to the popular tourist islands and you’ll find it’s one of the friendliest places on earth.

Philippines Sample Itineraries: 1 Week, 3 Weeks & 4 Day Rhythms

The “Taste Test” (1 Week):
- Days 1-2: Manila (History & Food)
- Days 3-6: El Nido, Palawan (Island Hopping)
- Day 7: Back to Manila
The “Deep Dive” (3 Weeks):
- Manila -> Cebu (Canyoneering) -> Bohol (Chocolate Hills) -> Siargao (Surf & Chill) -> Palawan (The grand finale).
4-Day Itineraries for the Philippines’ Most Iconic Islands
Most people rush through these spots. To truly experience them, you need at least 3 to 4 days. Here is how to spend that time, how to move, and where to eat.

Aerial view of Barracuda Lake in Coron Island Palawan Philippines

1. El Nido & Coron (Palawan)

The “Last Frontier” of dramatic limestone karst and emerald lagoons.

The 4-Day Rhythm:
- Day 1: Boat Tour A (Big Lagoon & Secret Lagoon). This is the “greatest hits” day.
- Day 2: Boat Tour C (Hidden Beach & Helicopter Island). Best for snorkeling and “Bond movie” scenery.
- Day 3: Rent a scooter and ride 45 minutes north to Nacpan Beach. It’s a 4km stretch of golden sand far from the crowds.
- Day 4: Hike the Taraw Cliff (Canopy Walk) for a bird’s-eye view of the bay, then catch a sunset at Las Cabanas Beach.
Getting Around: In town, use tricycles ($2–$5 AUD). For exploring the mainland, rent a scooter for approx. $15 AUD/day.
The “Secret” Spot: Lio Beach. It’s an eco-conscious development near the airport with wide beaches, chic shops, and zero crowds compared to the town center.
Where to Eat: * Trattoria Altrove: (4.7 stars) Famous for wood-fired pizza (be prepared to wait in line!).
- Sava Beach Bar: Best for sunset cocktails and a sophisticated vibe.

2. Siargao Island

The “Coconut Capital” and surfing mecca of Asia.

The 4-Day Rhythm:
- Day 1: Surf lessons at Guwan or Jacking Horse. Finish with a smoothie bowl at Shaka.
- Day 2: The “Land Tour.” Drive through the Coconut Road, jump off the Maasin Bridge into the river, and explore Tayangban Cave Pool.
- Day 3: Island Hopping to Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands. Daku is perfect for a seafood boodle fight lunch on the sand.
- Day 4: Morning at Magpupungko Rock Pools (check the tide times!) and an afternoon at the Secret Mangrove Wharf.
Getting Around: Siargao is the land of the Motorbike (Habal-Habal). Renting a scooter ($10–$15 AUD) is the only way to go. If you can’t ride, “Tuk-tuks” are available but pricier.
The “Secret” Spot: Pacifico Beach. Located in the north, it’s a 1-hour drive from the main hub. It’s quiet, rugged, and has some of the best surf without the “Cloud 9” crowds.
Where to Eat: * Kermit Siargao: (4.8 stars) Incredible Italian-Filipino fusion.
- Cev: World-class fresh Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche).

3. Cebu & Moalboal

The adventure capital for canyoning and marine life.

The 4-Day Rhythm:
- Day 1: Explore Cebu City (Fort San Pedro & Magellan’s Cross), then head 3 hours south to Moalboal.
- Day 2: The Sardine Run. You don’t even need a boat—just swim 30 meters off Panagsama Beach to see millions of sardines and sea turtles.
- Day 3: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering. A full day of jumping off cliffs and sliding down waterfalls into Gatorade-blue water.
- Day 4: Sunrise trek to Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu, for a “Chocolate Hills” style view of the ocean.
Getting Around: Use the Yellow Ceres Bus from the South Terminal ($5–$8 AUD) for long hauls. Within Moalboal, walking or tricycles work best.
The “Secret” Spot: Lambug Beach. A quiet, public white-sand beach near Badian where locals picnic. No fancy resorts, just pure bliss.
Where to Eat: * Lantaw Native Restaurant: (4.5 stars) Exceptional Filipino seafood with views.

Traveller swimming through a massive school of sardines in Moalboal Cebu. — Swimming with sardines in Moalboal